Ghana is poised to be the first African country to issue Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licenses, with June 30, 2025 set as the start date. This development is a significant step in the country’s commitment to trade in legal timber and wood products, combatting illegal logging and promoting good forest governance.
The Joint Monitoring and Review Mechanism of the Ghana-EU Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) on Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT) met in Accra, concluding the last steps for Ghana’s readiness to start issuing FLEGT licenses. The issuance of FLEGT licenses will facilitate and boost trade in legal timber products, promote sustainable forest management and contribute to Ghana’s socio-economic development.
As Ghana becomes the first African country and second globally, after Indonesia, to issue FLEGT licenses, this achievement sets a model for other countries to follow. In November 2009, Ghana became the first timber-producing country to sign a Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA or Agreement) with the European Union (EU). The VPA aims to ensure that only timber from legal sources is exported from Ghana to the EU market.
In addition to establishing essential elements of a licensing scheme, the Agreement is underpinned by a wide range of policy and legal reforms that engender good governance, transparency, and accountability in the forestry sector of Ghana. A critical element of the licensing scheme is the Ghana Legality Assurance System (GhLAS) that verifies and assures the legality of timber regardless of the market destination. The GhLAS is fully digitalised ensuring maximum efficiency of the timber supply chain.
The 12th session of the Joint Monitoring and Review Mechanism took place in Accra, hosted by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. The JMRM was co-chaired by the Honourable Minister of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR), Mr Samuel A. Jinapor, MP and H.E. Irchad Razaaly, Ambassador of the European Union to Ghana.
The Parties reviewed progress in relation to the last remaining steps identified in the Joint Action Plan towards the start of FLEGT Licensing. Particular attention was paid to the Ratification by the Ghanaian Parliament of the conversion of a first batch of extant leases and permits, opening the way for the conversion of the totality of extant leases. The Parties confirmed that all milestones have been met by Ghana and FLEGT Licensing can start.
FLEGT Licensing is not only about controlling illegal timber trade, but also about creating the opportunities to modernise timber operations, to enhance timber value chains, create sustainable jobs, generate social benefits such as payments to communities through Social Responsibility Agreements and lay a firm foundation for sustainable forest management.
Addressing the media, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources of Ghana, Mr. Samuel A. Jinapor, MP, stated “We have set 30th June, 2025 to land the first consignment of FLEGT licensed and labelled timber to the EU. I look forward to this as Ghana joins Indonesia to trade in FLEGT license timber on the EU market. Ghana is committed to fostering an environment that promotes sustainable practices, enhances livelihoods, and safeguards our natural resources for future generations.”
The EU Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Irchad Razaaly, lauded Ghana’s readiness to start issuing the FLEGT licenses. This significant milestone underscores the shared vision between Ghana and the EU on legal logging and trade in timber and wood products.
“The FLEGT license represents a major step forward, built on trust and a solid partnership between the EU and Ghana – this partnership demonstrates the power of international cooperation and it is a stepping stone for better governance and sustainable forest management. The EU and its Member States have accompanied Ghana in this journey since 2009 and we are particularly happy today to see the fruits of this remarkable cooperation. This is not the end of the VPA road, the work will continue and we look forward to raising our ambition to increase trade in legal timber products for the mutual benefit, while tackling deforestation and biodiversity loss” He added.
Ghana’s readiness to issue FLEGT licenses is a testament to the country’s dedication to responsible forestry practices,” said Albert Katako, Coordinator of Forest Watch “We hope that other partners will follow this model and the EU and Ghana’s exemplary leadership in promoting sustainable forest management and combating illegal logging.
“It’s been a long and winding journey, but most importantly we are finally here, and this is the time to leverage the FLEGT License to transform forest management in Ghana. Our commitment and diligence can sustain our forests for the benefit of present and future generations.” said Daryl Bosu, Deputy Director of A Rocha Ghana.
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